James Robert Nash, 85, of Tucker, died peacefully at Sunrise of Decatur after a long battle with Parkinsons’s, Alzheimer’s and diabetes on Friday, June 29, 2012.

For 23 years, Robert Nash brought joy to families from all over the world as the beloved Santa at Perimeter Mall. He enjoyed seeing the children’s faces and hearing their parents’ stories throughout the years. He was blessed to have children, parents and grandparents share their special days and memories with him year after year.

Mr. Nash watched the young children grow up, marry and bring their own children for visits. Memories he always cherished.

Prior to his work as Santa, Mr. Nash worked for Bellsouth/Southern Bell for 36 years as a lineman, installer, cable splicer, trouble shooter and a repair technician. He was a dedicated, hard-working man known to his fellow workers as “Bullet” and was one of the best jokesters in the South.

Mr. Nash proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1945-47 and at the end of World War II joined the reserves during the Korean War. While in the Army, he served as one of the best and most feared boxers.

Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 2, in Floral Hills Memory Gardens, Tucker, officiated by his nephew, Ronnie Davis.

Mr. Nash was blessed early in life to marry his soul mate and raise a beautiful family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Edith Davis Nash; his children, Clay Nash, Robin Nash Glass and Jimmy Lyle; his grandchildren, Ashleigh, Hoyt, Sara and Bianca Glass, the children of David and Robin Glass of Tucker, Zachary and Jeremy Nash, children of Clay and Jan Nash of Clayton, Jay and Jessica Lyle, children of Jimmy Lyle of Atlanta. Robert is also survived by his sisters, Kathleen Brewer, Mary Harlan; and his brother, Alvin Nash; as well as many wonderful nieces, nephews, friends and cherished loved ones.

Memorial donations may be made to Evercare Hospice and Palliative Care, 3720 DaVinci Court, Suite 400, Norcross, GA 30092 for making his last days so peaceful and pain free.

Arrangements by Bill Head Funeral Home and Crematory, Lilburn/Tucker Chapel.